Momma's Man

Azazel Jacob's Momma's Man is a little gem of an indie film. It is a very simple story but one that touches the heart.

Mikey (Matt Boren) comes to New York (from California) on business. He stays with his parents (Ken Jacobs and Flo Jacobs). When the film starts Mikey is on the A train which will take him to Kennedy airport for his flight back home to his wife and child. But before we know it Mikey is back with mom and dad. His explanation is that there is trouble with his airline. He promises that he will leave in a day or two. But each day there is another excuse. And he doesn't return any of his wife's calls. Mikey would rather stay in the house and look through all of his old things. You could say that he is regressing.

The film is done in a no frills style with lots of hand held camera work. There is really no plot to speak of. This is a character study. Jacobs own real life parents play Mikey's parents and I wonder how much of the film is autobiographical. The performances by the three leads are wonderful and very natural. There is a scene towards the end of the film that put tears in my eyes.

Momma's Man is a little film with a big heart. It celebrates the love of parents for the children and vice versa. I recommend this film to those of you who like poignant films. If you can't catch it in theaters (it is in limited release) then make sure you rent it when it comes out on DVD.